Special joint unit to monitor food outlets in Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr

AMMAN — The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) on Thursday announced that it has launched a special unit that will work during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr to ensure the safety of food in the market.

The joint unit, launched in cooperation with the Greater Amman Municipality and the Rangers, will prevent duality, organise work and guarantee efficiency, according to a JFDA statement sent to The Jordan Times.

The unit will also guarantee a fast response to public complaints around-the-clock and across the Kingdom during the fasting month, when consumption of food and beverages tends to rise sharply, and Eid Al Fitr, the Muslim feast marking the end of Ramadan.

The JFDA noted that 16 inspection teams will work in three shifts during Ramadan, 10 of which will be working after iftar to monitor food institutions and street vendors.

The campaign, according to the JFDA, will ensure food stores’ adherence to health regulations and self-monitoring programmes; the safety of showcased food items; and food workers’ commitment to public health and safety standards.

The administration stressed that it will proceed with legal action against any violating institution, with punitive measures including fines, closure, work suspension, or seizure of food items not in line with standards.

The JFDA urged the public not to buy food from street stalls that are exposed to the sun for long hours.

Last Ramadan, the JFDA referred the owners of 320 food institutions around the Kingdom to court.

Its field inspection teams closed 166 food institutions and suspended operations at 306 for health violations.